Nature is still within the grasp of all of us. The benefits of being with nature are profound and can be of benefit to all. Let’s investigate some aspects of the wonderful qualities of nature. From its ability to produce food to its uncanny ability to inspire relaxation and a feeling of general wellbeing.
A fantastic aspect of nature, among many, is that we can all bring representations of nature into our homes and yards. Planting some extra plants in the garden to bring plants inside and create natural aspects inside the home. This will enable people to inhale fresher air into the lungs whilst enjoying these benefits at home.
Even the smell of freshly cut grass has been said, via studies, to be highly beneficial. So what better reason to get outside regularly and mow the lawns yourself? Not only will this save the money of paying someone else to do it. We shall have a sense of achievement and a great opportunity for exercise.
The Concept Of Nature Is Wide And Expansive
Walking outside on a beautiful track in the valleys and mountains for example. The wide, expansive, view of nature in this type of instance will be beneficial for eyesight. Our eyes are like muscles and if we are constantly only focusing at short distances there is a greater chance of becoming near-sighted for the muscles in the eyes have not had exercise with longer distance focusing.
Nature is a natural way, excuse the pun, to attain release from the pressures of society. It’s like a case of “what you can’t see can’t hurt you” I’d say. In the natural environment, we may find that our mind is completely able to release any attention to any pressures in the world given the lack of reference to them in nature.
The Need For Food Water And Air
These vital components, to the survival of all beings on earth, are provided by nature. That’s why the consideration of our natural environment is of high priority. Just like a good person would consider the happiness of others. It is logical to believe that the consideration of nature is equally as good a quality. Perhaps even a necessary quality for the sustained survival of living beings on earth.
Why stop there on the necessary conditions that nature provides for the survival of all beings? We can also thank nature for the provision of the materials for shelter, medicines, and clothes.
The phytoncides emitted from plants have been scientifically proven to increase the immune system. I aim to not get too scientific or technical here so feel free to research further how phytoncides specifically benefit the intracellular levels of perforin within the body.
Our Sun As A Source Of Vitamin D
Among the most important functions of vitamin D in our body. Is the beneficial absorption of phosphorus and calcium. This is proven to be highly beneficial for the immune system. When considering normal growth and development vitamin D is intrinsic for said development of teeth and bones. Let’s not overlook that science has proven the benefits of vitamin D in the prevention of some diseases.
Our very own sun is a terrific provider of vitamin D. It’s free and is widely available. This being said it would be quite wise, and highly recommended, to strike a good balance regarding the amount of sunlight that’s beneficial for the individual. Let’s agree that it wouldn’t make sense to go and lay in the sun all day and “fry our body to a crisp”. Overexposure to the sun is said to cause problems such as skin cancers and blemishing. Not only that, some people have far more sensitive skin than others so let’s strike a balance that is suitable for every Individual.
More of the Benefits Of Being With Nature
- Restoration of focus: Sometimes the stresses of life may busy the mind to such a level that it may lose its focus on the important things in life. Aligning yourself with nature enables our mind to witness the expansive role it plays in life. This may, depending upon the individual, assist with recognizing the value of community, relationships, and generosity.
- A sense of really being alive: The crisp smell of the natural air. The warmth and comfort provided by the sun. Depending on the scenery a sense of expansiveness and acceptance from nature. These are a few of the sensations we may be fortunate enough to experience in nature. These are the types of sensations that let us know that we are alive.
- Increase levels of compassion for all beings: A specific example of this. Have you ever been walking in the forest and seen a beautiful bird in the tree? Not only has that helped you recognize great beauty it has also helped increase levels of compassion. For many people would likely say “Naww look at the birdy don’t you just love it”. This is a beneficial natural feeling derived from a compassionate heart so, thus, that compassion has gained strength for the person just in seeing that bird alone. The aim then should be to be able to afford that level of compassion for all living beings.
- Assists with seasonal affective disorder: Scientific research, in humans, has indicated that during the winter months, a phenomenon exists known as seasonal affective disorder. This is where a soul may effectively become more depressed due to the lack of exposure to the benefits of nature. We all tend to venture outdoors less in winter due to the lower temperatures or even due to an attachment to sitting in front of the comfortable warmth of a heater. In this instance, it is recommended to just get up and go outside for a bit to receive benefits for the disorder. Even if it’s cloudy or cold or windy this still applies.
- Helps with pain: Some receptors provide the perception of pain within the brain. To reduce pain we may get outside and produce endorphins that actually bind to the pain receptors and may substantially assist with pain levels. This reduction in pain may subsequently provide beneficial sensations of relief and satisfaction.
- Aromatherapy in abundance: Why go and buy rose oil when you can walk out into the garden and smell the roses? Flowers provide a wide range of scents that stimulate the senses and may increase a sense of complete relaxation. There are many types of beneficial aroma within nature from pine trees to crisp fresh air ‘itself’.
- Easier to exercise: Ever tried doing a 1 km jog in the lounge room lol? It’s logical to conclude that exercise is far easier to do outside in nature. From surfing to sailing to sand dune jogging. You name it for it’s the individual’s choice in what means they choose to align with nature. May it be recognized that good exercise is scientifically proven to increase levels of beneficial substances like dopamine and serotonin, for example, within the body.
So The Terrific Benefits Of Nature Abound
It’s wonderful that nature is easily accessible for most of us. That is specifically why we are generally able to go out there and test these concepts out for ourselves. Usually science, in itself, is enough proof for me yet I’m a big believer in actually getting out there and paying close attention to the beneficial effects that nature is having upon my body and mind.
There are potentially other benefits to be found within nature however I’m thinking that I’ve covered enough here today to hopefully inspire any given individual towards getting out there and experiencing the potential benefits for themselves.
Can you think of any other benefits you have received from nature? Are there any other ways in which you may suggest we can better align with nature? Feel free to discuss this in the comments below and if you have any questions I’m happy to assist if I can. Good day.
Gavin